Real Conditionals: Sub

Think of it as a cause-and-effect machine. You put a condition in one side, and a result pops out the other. In Hindi, we clearly mark both parts. You flag the condition with agar (if) and the result with toh (then/so). Unlike English, where we often skip "then," Hindi really loves its toh. It acts like a bridge connecting your thoughts. Without it, your sentence might feel like it fell off a cliff.

1. 1Here is the basic recipe for a real conditional sentence:
2. 2Start with agar (If).
3. 3Add your Condition (The "if" part).
4. 4IMPORTANT: Add toh (Then).
5. 5Finish with the Result (The "will" part).
6. 6The Tense Twist:
7. 7In English, we say "If it rains (present), I will stay (future)." We *don't* say "If it will rain."
8. 8But Hindi is more chill. You can actually use the Future tense in *both* parts!
9. 9* Option A (Common): Agar + [Subjunctive/Present], toh + [Future]
10. 10* Option B (Spoken): Agar + [Future], toh + [Future]
11. 11Example: Agar tum aaoge, toh main khush hounga. (If you will come, then I will be happy.)

• Making Plans: "If we leave now, we'll catch the movie."
• Warnings: "If you eat that spicy chili, you will cry."
• Negotiations: "If you give a discount, I will buy two."
• General Truths: "If you press this button, the light turns on."

Don't use this for fantasies or impossible things (Unreal Conditionals).

• Wrong: "If I were a bird..." (That's a different grammar rule using hota).
• Right: "If I buy a plane ticket..." (This is real/possible, so use agar... toh).

• Dropping the toh: This is the #1 error. English speakers forget it because we don't say "then" often. In Hindi, toh is the glue. Don't skip the glue!
• Stressing over agar: Fun fact—you can actually drop the agar in casual speech, and people will still understand you because of tone. But you generally *cannot* drop the toh.
• Confusing jab and agar: Use agar for "if" (maybe it happens). Use jab for "when" (it definitely happens).

• Agar vs. Kaash: Agar is for "If..." (conditions). Kaash is for "I wish..." (desires). Don't mix them up unless you want to sound like a poet when you're just ordering pizza.
• Agar vs. Jab: "Jab baarish hogi" means rain is certain. "Agar baarish hogi" means bring an umbrella just in case.

Q: Can I swap the order?

A: Yes! "I will go if you come" works (Main jaunga agar tum aaoge), but starting with Agar is more standard for building suspense.

Q: Do I always need the future tense?

A: No. For habits, you can use present tense in both parts. Agar wo gata hai, toh sab haste hain (If he sings, everyone laughs).

Q: Is yadi the same as agar?

A: Yes, but yadi is the fancy version. Use it if you're writing a formal letter or trying to impress a strict teacher. Use agar with friends.